Abstract: Inflatable mattress assemblies are disclosed. Typically including separately inflatable upper and lower components sealed one to the other, the assemblies nevertheless can create appearances of having been formed merely by laying each upper component atop the corresponding lower component. By incorporating inflatable frames around the central sections of each of the two components, the components may be sealed (welded) together at locations other than their extreme outer edges.

Abstract: A one piece air mattress suitable for use in health care settings to aid in prevention of bed sores has air cells permanently attached to a common base sheet along a base perimeter of each cell. The air cells and base sheet are of flexible radio frequency weldable plastic material, and all the air cells can be simultaneously welded to the base sheet in a single welding step using a special welding jig. Air supply conduits are defined by strips bonded to the base sheet in overlying relationship to orifices opening the supply conduits to the air cells, thereby eliminating the need for external air hoses and connections. An alternating pressure air mattress can be made by opening different air supply conduits to alternating sets of the air cells.

Abstract: Fluid-filled, flexible-walled chambers in a variety of shapes are embraceably fitted with elastic loops or girths whereby the overall resiliency and cushioning ability of the chambers is improved. The expanded versatility of the resilient chambers makes possible improved designs of airbed and waterbed mattresses, and of toys, sports and safety equipment.A method for controlling and improving the impact between automobile safety airbags and auto passengers is made possible through the incorporation of elastic girths in the design of the airbag.

Abstract: The present invention is a patient support system. The system includes a mattress unit, an inflatable bladder, a manifold plate and a quick release plate. The mattress unit contains the inflatable bladder. The manifold plate allows air to enter into and be released from the bladder. The manifold plate has a set of female receptacles open to the exterior surface of the mattress unit. The quick release plate has a set of male connectors that correspond to the female receptacles. Each male connector has a slidable variance, permitting it to be removably received from the corresponding female receptacle. Thus, when any pulling force is applied to the quick release plate, the quick release plate disengages from the manifold plate resulting in the bladder deflating within a predetermined time frame.

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus includes an air pump which is pneumatically connected to an air mattress, with an air pressure sensor in the mattress for detecting the current air pressure within the mattress. A central control unit is interconnected with the pressure sensor and the air pump and is programmable to add or remove air from the mattress to control the pressure within the mattress. A plurality of position sensors in the mattress will detect the posture and/or position of an occupant of the bed and transmit this information to the control unit. The control unit can then determine the actual position of the occupant and adjust the air pressure within the air mattress accordingly.

Abstract: A fluid-filled mattress with firmness adjusting air bladders is provided wherein the individual bladders may be individually inflated and deflated to provide precise firmness adjustment. Further, a computer control of the bladders may be utilized to adjust the firmness of the air bladders.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary inflatable seating apparatus, systems and methods of use. In one embodiment, an inflatable seating apparatus (10) includes a first inflatable mattress (12) and a second inflatable mattress (14) rotatably connected to the first mattress by a hinge (16). The hinge has at least one passageway (20) to permit the passage of an inflating fluid between the first and second mattresses. The inflatable seating apparatus further may include a third inflatable mattress (22), forming a back of the seating apparatus, that is removably attached to the first mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow top includes a fabric case with an inflatable bladder contained therein. The inflatable bladder is coextensive with the fabric case, and the mattress upon which it is secured. The bladder may be inflated by a conventional air pump with a pressure control, or it may be self-inflating. The self-inflating bladder includes a compressible foam material filling the bladder and having memory to return to an expanded condition. An inlet valve on the bladder permits air to enter the bladder as the foam material expands, thereby filling the bladder with air. An exhaust valve is provided to permit adjustment of the air pressure within the bladder.

Abstract: A system supporting a cushion, containing a plurality of covered inflatable air bladders and the controls and means for inflating the bladders. Bladders may be arranged in two or more arrays and controlled so that each array is inflated and deflated at different times than are other arrays. This provides continuously variable pressure points for a cushion which supports a person. A re-programable microprocessor controls the sequence and timing of array inflation which can be selected to suit individual needs. An included rechargeable battery provides power for at least 16 hours operation and enables easy system portability. The system may be used in cushioning for wheelchairs, and for many other seating and support applications, including support for animals. It includes a remote control/alarm panel with an on/off switch and audio/visual alarms warning of power or other system failure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting a body element. The apparatus includes at least one support device with at least one closed or controlled-release chamber, a filling device and an emptying means device for filling said chamber with a filling fluid and emptying the fluid from the chamber, and a distance-measurement device for measuring the distance between a top face and a bottom face of the chamber. The apparatus further includes a reaction-measurement device for measuring the reaction of the support device relative to the morphological data of the body element to be supported, and a control system including a combination device for combining the measurement of the penetration distance d provided by the distance-measurement device and the measurement of the reaction provided by the reaction-measurement device. This combination is advantageously constituted by summing the two obtained measurements.

Abstract: A container element for a furniture item, including at least one thin-walled closeable support element being fillable with air or the like from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the element forming support structure and/or a cushion for a piece of furniture as an arm-chair, a sofa, a bed or the like.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress for clinical bed use has a base pad including two sheets joined to define one or more narrow air conduits extending along the pad. A body supporting surface is provided by individually detachable inflatable elements covering the base pad. Each inflatable element is secured across the pad transversely to and communicates with at least one air conduit through apertured fasteners. Air permeable foam in the air conduits holds the conduits open in a gatched condition of the pad. Cushioning material contained between the sheets exteriorly to the air conduits provides body support in the event of deflation of the mattress. Constant pressure and alternating pressure modes of operation are supported with appropriate air supply systems.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which supports a patient on an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure preferably has two components: a) lower inflatable layer which is selectively operable to provide basic support for the patient and which includes a plurality of laterally offset zone which may be independently inflatable to control rotation of the patient. Further, a second inflatable layer includes a plurality of zones for establishing optimal patient interface pressures and patient comfort levels, and may also include sufficiently independent inner chambers to facilitate the providing of specific therapies such as alternation of primary pressure contact areas, or percussion or vibration of the patient through inner cell inflation.

Abstract: In operation of a support for a patient's body, used in medical or veterinary treatment, which applies alternating-pressure to the body in order to reduce or minimize the risk of pressure sores caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, inflatable cells of the support are inflated and deflated cyclically in a predetermined sequence. To provide improved effect in relieving or preventing pressure sores, the cells are deflated in the sequence in such a manner that the interior pressure falls from 10 mmHg (135 Pa) to 0 mmHg in a time period of not more than 15 s. Preferably the interior pressure falls to below 0 mmHg (ambient atmospheric pressure). A vacuum pump or pumps may be employed to achieve this result.

Abstract: An inflatable support assembly ensures adequate support and comfort for a traveler. The assembly includes an inflatable mattress, a cover shaped to encase the mattress, and at least one support member formed of a rigid material that is secured in a pocket or support member receptacle formed in the cover. In preferred forms, the support member is configured to resist bending in a first direction while permitting bending in a second direction, and the assembly includes two support members secured in two corresponding pockets in the cover and positioned adjacent a head/neck and back area relative to the mattress to maximize support and comfort. The assembly is also provided with a carrying case and a portable air pump.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having multiple compartments which may be selectively inflated and deflated to produce variable contact of the mattress with the occupant's body. Some of the compartments may be active, and others inactive, with the active compartments of the mattress controlled by automatic controls to cyclically inflate and deflate the compartments. The device may be operated manually to allow the operator to deflate the necessary compartments for placement of a bedpan, or other access to the occupant. Multiple foam rubber wedges are inserted into deflated compartments, then inflated to turn the occupant on his or her side. Various embodiments are inflated by air, nitrogen or water. A water-to-air heat pump, or an air-to-air heat pump may be used to control the temperature.

Abstract: A support sac for a patient support mattress comprises an elongate sac formed of a pressure retaining flexible material adapted to be fluid filled under pressure. The sac has a body contact portion (10) remote from a support surface portion (22), the body contact portion being provided with a plurality of pleats or ruffles whereby said contact portion has a surface area per unit length significantly greater than the surface area per unit length of the support surface portion thereby to alleviate hammocking effects.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a plurality of inflatable sacs juxtapositionally connected together in a mattress envelope; an air pump for inflating or deflating the sacs for cushioning a patient ridden thereon; a leg bending device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs transversely juxtapositioned at a leg section of the mattress envelope and formed as arcuate shape when inflated for cushioning a patient's bending leg; a body turning device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs longitudinally juxtapositioned at a right and left side of a torso section and a head section of the mattress envelope, and alternatively inflated and deflated at the right and left sides for turning the patient's body leftwardly and rightwardly; and a head lifting device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs gradually decreasing in height from a head portion to a patient's shoulder or neck portion for cushioning the patient's head, thereby forming an air mattress for ergonomically cushioning different body portions of

Abstract: A low air loss therapeutic air support system which simultaneously prevents the development of pressure sores and skin maceration due to the build up of heat and moisture at points of interface between the device and the patient and has an active feedback system which provides for real time adjustments to the inflation pressure of the support surface in response to an increase in the compressive pressure on a part of the support surface from shifting of the patient's position or other causes which can be used interchangeably with a sleeping surface and a wheelchair seating system.

Abstract: An inflatable air mattress which includes a top sheet and bottom sheet of flexible air impermeable material. When inflated, the mattress is provided with a series of tube beams running the length of the air mattress. These beams are sealed to the top and bottom sheets of the air mattress by a sinusoidal sealing pattern.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of supporting the body of a patient, the method consisting in providing at least one support element, such as a mattress, subdivided into at least two closed, flexible, controlled-release regions that are inflatable with fluid under a pressure that is a function of the set penetration distance to which the body of the patient penetrates into the support element, namely at least one first support region for supporting the body of the patient other than in its heel region, and a second support region specifically for supporting the heel region. According to the invention, the second support region is inflated by tapping fluid from the first support region. This method makes it easy, in particular, to adjust the pressure as a function of the relative position of the patient on the support, of the patient's weight, of the patient's morphology, or else as a function of the particular needs of the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention details a pressurizable mattress. The mattress has at least one inflatable cushion having a pair of sides, and at least one set of an electromagnetic energy emitting device and an electromagnetic energy receiving device. The electromagnetic energy emitting device, when operating, illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion. The electromagnetic energy receiving device collects the illuminating energy. The operation of the mattress requires a means for measuring the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion. The measuring means determines the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion by measuring the quantity of illuminating energy collected by the electromagnetic energy receiving device when the electromagnetic energy emitting device illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: An alternately inflated/deflated air bed being made by an arrangement of many air bag sets, each of them provided therein with a first air bag which is further provided therein with a second air bag. The first air bag thus is divided into two air chambers. An air pipe is provided on the first air bag for air intake and discharge. The second air bag is constantly kept inflated. The air bag sets are arranged in series. When the air bag sets of the odd and of the even numbers are alternately inflated/deflated by simultaneous discharge or intake of the two air chambers, the first air bags are inflated/deflated twice as much, so that a patient lying on the air bed obtains adequate ventilation by alternately changing contact points of his body with the air bed. When there is a power loss or machine failure which causes the first air bags to discharge, the second air bags support the patient to still feel comfortable.

Abstract: A new tent with plural inflatable mattresses for providing ideal sleeping conditions for more than one camper. The inventive device includes a base portion. A tent portion is secured to and extends upwardly from an outer periphery of the base portion. A plurality of mattresses are secured to the base portion in a side by side orientation. Each air mattress is defined by an inflatable hollow interior. The hollow interior has a plurality of support pockets extending between upper and lower surfaces of the air mattress. Each air mattress has an air inlet valve and an air outlet valve.

Abstract: A new inflatable cushion for providing padding that is quick and easy to inflate and deflate. The inventive device includes a series of connected mattress sections with each the mattress section including an inflatable first cell member coupled to an inflatable second cell member such that second cell member may be folded over the first cell member so that the side of the series may be used as a cover for the other side of the series. Each cell member includes an opening into their respective hollow interiors for permitting inflation and deflation of the cell member. Each cell member also includes interlocking ribs on the perimeter of the opening into the cell member hollow interior to provide a sealing means for permitting the formation of a substantially air tight closure each opening.

Abstract: An air spring bedding system includes a mattress matrix assembly and a box spring assembly. The mattress matrix assembly comprises first and second air support structures. Each support structure has alternating offset air springs and connecting tubes which interconnect to two adjacent alternating offset air springs for distributing air between them. One of the two support structures also has alternating offset apertures. A respective one of the alternating air springs of the second support structure are respectively aligned with and inserted into a respective one of the alternating offset apertures of the first support structure such that the two support structures abut against each other to form the mattress matrix assembly. The alternating air springs of the two support structures are arranged in a matrix arrangement. The box spring assembly includes upper and lower support structures. Each support structure has a plenum and hollow cylinders which are arranged in a matrix arrangement.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a top sheet made of woven textile material laminated to an inner sheet of PVC and welded to bottom sheet made of PVC. Oval beams are welded to the inner and bottom sheets which are joined by lap seams. Support strips are provided for securing the lap seams at each corner.

Abstract: An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress includes at least one air bladder, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle. The improved valve enclosure assembly is fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder. An enclosure defines a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and has at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump. A pressure monitor is operably coupled to the processor and is in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder. A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable support pad wherein a first group of inflatable cells are in flow communication with each other, a second group of inflatable cells are in flow communication with each other, and the cells of the first group of cells are interleaved with the cells of the second group of cells whereby the cells are alternatively inflatable and alternately exhaustible. Seal seam portions or walls which separate adjacent cells have serpentine shapes and are disposed relative to each other to define alternately broad and narrow cell portions. The serpentine shapes are truncated to eliminate or reduce duck-billing.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress comprises superposed lower, middle, and upper sheet layers. The lower and middle sheet layers are joined to each other in a manner to define an inflatable air chamber. The middle and upper sheet layers are secured to each other in a manner to define at least two independently inflatable mattress portions. Fluid passageways provide fluid communication between the air chamber and the inflatable mattress portions. A plurality of ventilation apertures are through the upper sheet layer for ventilating air from the inflatable mattress portions. The sheet layers are arranged such that air introduced into the inflatable air chamber flows through the fluid passageways into the inflatable mattress portions and then out through the ventilation apertures.

Abstract: A beach bed includes a flexible, thin-walled plane made from synthetic material, e.g. PVC. It is made up of a central part and a peripheral inflatable part separated by means of one or more heat seals, whereby the inflatable part, when inflated, form a boxed-in area around the central part. The inflatable part, when inflated is provided with at least one part that is raised relative to the rest of the inflatable part. With an item of this design it is possible for the user to make himself comfortable on a sandy surface and at the same time prevent sand from blowing on himself and any items he has placed in the central part. Furthermore, a beach towel may be coupled to the beach bed. Moreover, advertising may be printed on the central part of the beach bed.

Abstract: An airbed having multi-zone air mattress is provided having a control that can identify the configuration of any of a plurality of hand control units connected thereto and can interpret control functions differently based on the identified unit configuration. A plurality of normally closed valves seal pressures in each of the zones when power to an air pump is off while mattress zone pressures are constantly monitored and the measurements sent by the control through a communications port for monitoring of the motion or care of a user of the bed and for analysis and diagnosis. When pump power is on, the pressure in the zones is regulated at predetermined pressure settings ideal for the user. Deviations from ideal pressure cause a programmed controller to calculate inflation or deflation times for the respective zones that would be required to inflate or exhaust the zones to the desired pressures.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an inflatable wheelchair cushion, the cushion including: a base member having a shape complementary to that of a sling-type wheelchair seat; a plurality of fluid-fillable cells rising from the base member, top surfaces of the cells, when the cells are filled with fluid to one or more desired pressures, defining a generally flat seating surface; and means to introduce pressurized fluid to the cells or zoned groups of the cells.

Abstract: An integrated matrix bedding system includes an air/foam mattress matrix assembly which comprises an airtight structure assembled within a restraining member. The airtight structure has a base with a plurality of compressible and expandable members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in a matrix arrangement. A plurality of connecting tubes are connected to the base and interconnected to two adjacent compressible and expandable members for distributing air between the plurality of compressible and expandable members. The restraining member has a plurality of interior cavities arranged in a matrix arrangement which corresponds and aligns with the compressible and expandable members. The plurality of compressible and expandable members are respectively inserted within the interior cavities of the restraining member.

Abstract: A portable orthopedic bed for the correct orthopedic support of a patient has a longitudinally adjacent array of laterally extending air inflatable chambers wherein the array has a first set of chambers and a second set of chambers. A set of chambers has a lower back supporting chamber adjacent a midpoint between the first and second sets of chambers, the lower back chamber also adjacent an upper back supporting chamber on an opposed side of the lower back supporting chamber from the midpoint, an upper foundation chamber adjacent the upper back supporting chamber on an opposed side of the upper back supporting chamber opposed to the lower back supporting chamber, wherein the upper foundation chamber is generally triangular in longitudinal cross section to thereby provide a buttressing foundation for the upper back supporting chamber.

Abstract: An air pressurization and control system for a low air loss air floatation mattress or cushion is disclosed. The control system controls air supplied to the air floatation mattress within a range of pressures and flowrates so as to inflate all of the cells of the mattress and to maintain a flow of air to all of the cells over an extended period of time while maintaining all of the cells at a desired level of inflation for the air floatation support of the patient without any of the cells exerting decubitus pressures above the maximum desired decubitus pressure and so as to prevent collapse of any of the cells. A sensor is provided for sensing the pressure of the air within the common supply.

Abstract: An air sac for use on a low air loss bed. The air sac is provided with a releasable connector for retaining the air sac to the low air loss bed and with a nipple for receiving air from a gas supply source to inflate the air sac. The air sac is also provided with a cutout which allows the patient to be rolled toward one end of the air sac when the air sac is inflated. A pillar is provided on the end of the air sac toward which the patient is rolled when the air sac is inflated to retain the patient on the air sac. The air sacs are arranged in sets with every other sac mounted to the frame of the low air loss bed in alternating arrangement whereby the patient is rolled first in one direction when the air sacs of one set are inflated and then back in the other direction when the air sacs in the first set are deflated and the air sacs in the second set are inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable pad or mattress wherein the air cells spanning a central region of the pad or mattress are extended in at least one dimension relative to the air cells of the foot and/or head region of the mattress. The heavier portions of a person's body, including the upper torso and hips, contact the higher air cells, while the lighter portions of the person's body are in contact with the shorter air cells. The pad preferably includes a single air passage interconnecting the various air cells. The air passage includes a flow-throttling device communicating with individual cells, whereby air flow from one cell to another cell is restricted to delay pressure equalization action among the cells.

Abstract: A turn mattress includes a plurality of inflatable sacs juxtapositionally connected together within a mattress envelope, each inflatable sac being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the mattress and having a right cell and a left cell separated by a central diaphragm and respectively communicated with an air distributing system to be alternatively inflated or deflated for turning a patient ridden on the mattress from side to side, and a pair of restoring air bags each inherently formed and constantly inflated in each cell, whereby upon deflation of either cell, the restoring air bag as inflated will serve as a side guard for preventing a slipping of the patient away from the mattress laid on a hospital bed.

Abstract: A surface foot section is provided for a bed which includes a base frame and an articulating deck coupled to the base frame. The articulating deck includes a generally planar foot deck section and is movable from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. A foot section control module is provided to deflate the surface foot section when the articulating deck is in the chair configuration and to inflate the surface foot section when the articulating deck is in the bed configuration. The surface foot section includes a first air bladder configured to collapse in a first direction generally parallel to the foot deck section when the first air bladder is deflated, and a second air bladder located adjacent the first air bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable overlay for a bed mattress has a base sheet with a top and sides sized to retentively fit over the mattress, and inflatable elements secured to the sheet defining a body support surface. Impermeable sheet material is layered on the base sheet to form air conduits connected for supplying the inflatable elements. The overlay is pliable and can be folded or rolled for transport and storage.

Abstract: A balloon filled bag for use as a mattress or children's trampoline made of a flexible membrane or textile material and stuffed with air filled elastic toy balloons that are of random size. The interstices between the larger balloons are substanially filled by the small balloons to provide additional support, comfort and to prevent injury to the user of the bag.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable self sealing valveless fluid or gas container useable for a wide variety of applications including cushioning, package filler, mattresses, rafts and the like. The container is formed from one or more inflatable self sealing elements, each inflatable element being formed from a pair of inflatable cells. Each cell is formed from an inner and outer sheet of thermoplastic or other impermeable material, the sheets being sealed together at boundaries which define the inflatable cell. The inner sheets of each cell in the pair are sealed together such that the boundaries of the seal define a fill channel through which fluid or gas may pass between the cells. Apertures in the inner sheets of both cells within the fill channel allow fluid or gas to pass from the fill channel into both cells to cause inflation.

Abstract: A female anatomical mattress including a generally rectangular body supporting structure. The body supporting structure has a pair of side walls with a continuous central section. The central section has an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel and lower panel each share a rounded front end and a rounded rear end. The upper panel has a generally rectangular cavity that extends downwardly therefrom and toward the lower panel. Lastly, a generally rectangular head supporting structure is rounded. The head supporting structure is sized for positioning within the cavity of the body supporting structure, when not supporting a person's head. The mattress may be foam filled or inflatable.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is of an elongated plan form and comprises a plurality of inflatable cells also of an elongated form which are disposed contiguously in a row extending along the longitudinal axis of the mattress. Constraints of a tray-like form circle the cells so as to retain them in a position with their upper ends exposed whereby by the upper ends form a resilient support surface. The cells are formed with pleats so that when a body is placed on the resilient upper surface the support surface material is not tensioned substantially. A cell is of a flexible sheet material and comprises an inner sheet disposed between outer sheets. The outer sheets are secured by spot welds to the inner sheets. Inflation air can flow freely between opposite sides of the inner sheets. The spot welds on each side of a cell define a series of sub-cells. The mattress may be "tuned" so as to change the yield characteristics of a cell.

Abstract: A cattle mattress made from a double needle bar knit fabric in which the top and bottom layers tire joined at intervals across the fabric, forming tubes into which crumb rubber is inserted and which are closed off after insertion of the crumb rubber to make a self-contained structure for the comfort of animals.

Abstract: A pulsating medical (surgical) operating table cushion comprising an air sac array having two groups of pneumatically expandable and contractible air cells respectively communicating with one another in each of the groups. An air pump supplies air under pressure to the cells in each group through a separate conduit pipe for each respective group. Solenoid valves direct the air flow from the air pump either into the first conduit or the second conduit based upon an air supply controller. A timer provided in the air supply control circuitry changes the sequence of the air control valves after a predetermined period of time passes.

Abstract: A combined bed and seat device for an infant is made of plastic material and is formed with various separately inflatable elements, namely a base (1) upon which the child sits or lies, a cushion (2) that surrounds the base (1) on three sides, an outer wall connected thereto and formed of wedge-shaped configuration in side view, and a second inflatable cushion (6) of approximately same circumference and connected to the other border of the outer wall (4). The cushion (6) forms the body that supports and stabilizes the bed upon the ground. In order to angle the base (1) into the seating position, the cushion (2) is clampable approximately in the middle of its length by means of an eyelet connection (5) against the second cushion (6). The inclination of the base (1) is adjustable by inflating the outer wall (4) to a lesser or greater degree.

Abstract: A body support arrangement comprising a pair of flexible elongate tubes (12) forming air springs openings located in spaced parallel relationship by stabilizer members (14) which space and impart lateral stability to the tubes (12). A body support surface is formed by a series of slats (20) extending transversely of and resting on the tubes (12). The slats (20) are fixedly attached, for example by adhesive, to a flexible sheet (22).